Sapodilla Brown Riddim – Various Artists

Sapodilla Brown lands as a tight little four-track soca set from Alix “Sandman” Aird, with Sharrie Jones, Blacka Dan, Yaga and Laura Lisa all cutting over the same compact groove in 2012. The songs lean toward feel-good carnival fare rather than anything overly busy: “Sweetest Wine” and “Wine On Me” push the sweetest hooks, while “3 Dollar Bread” and “Nice Time” keep the patter more playful and streetwise. Aquarion Studios is the credit attached to the release, and the whole thing runs just about 15 minutes, which suits the format. It’s the kind of riddim that relies on a nimble soca pulse, clean drum programming and a bass line that stays low and springy beneath the vocals.